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Distance Education Success in the HSC 2018

Camden Haven High School, the highest ranked public school in the Mid North Coast had even more success in their Distance Education sector, although it does not contribute to their overall rank.

In particular, the Languages faculty had four students ranked in the top five results in the state.

Ansonette Swart was ranked second in German Beginners, Ruby Dempsey was ranked third in French Continuers, Jessica Mulhearn was ranked fourth in Indonesian Beginners, and Joshua Kershaw was ranked fifth in Indonesian Beginners.

“I am extremely proud of my staff and the effort they put into engaging their students and making sure they are well prepared for their HSC exams,” said Head Teacher Languages Michelle Marotte.

Mr Jim Rourke taught three top achievers in French and Inodnesian and Mr Kent Leach

There were 21 Distance Education students on the Honour Roll for achieving a Band 6, with 19 in the Languages Faculty.

Deputy Principal Distance Education Shane Williams said it was outstanding results and particular recognition goes to the Languages Faculty with almost all classes achieving band sixes.

“A fantastic result, with the only negative being that it doesn’t go towards our school recognition,” he said.

Camden Haven High School teachers Mr Jim Rourke taught three of the top achievers in French and Indonesian and Mr Kent Leach taught state runner-up Ansonette Swart German Beginners throughout Year 11 and 12.

“The great thing about Distance Education, particularly for students like Ansonette, is that we get to spend a lot time one-on-one. Knowing their interests helps to find ways of extending and challenging them to go beyond what they would otherwise do,” said Mr Leach.

Ansonette enjoyed distance education because of the freedom to do her work on her own terms.

“I think I put more effort into German because it was one of my favourite subjects,” Ansonette said.

“A lot of students might think [it’s important to be] naturally smart, but it’s just hard work. You have to put in the effort,” she said.

“I studied at least four hours a day, but I did a lot of social things to balance my study and I didn’t have a job to focus on my schoolwork” she said.

“[Ansonette] consistently did her weekly work without fail,” said teacher Mr Leach.

“Knowing she was capable and interested in doing more, we extended her learning. I could see she was progressing and she was able to handle [the extra work],” he said.

Earlier this year, Camden Haven High School held a single-course languages day to enhance distance education learning.

“I got to meet other kids in my class and Mr Leach. It was really fun and good to see him in person,” said Ansonette.

Ansonette achieved an ATAR of 97.7 with her subjects that included Extension 2 Mathematics and Chemistry. She will study Biomedical Science at the University of Newcastle because of her interest in learning about the human body and how it works.

“Our Languages students excelled this year across the 5 languages we offered for this year’s HSC. Our teachers deliver lessons online and have weekly phone lessons to practise speaking skills. This has enabled our dedicated staff to have more real time interactions with their students, despite being in a different location,” said Head Teacher Languages Michelle Marotte.

The school would like to congratulate all Distance Education students for their hard work and commitment to study and wish them all the best for the future.